One of the most loved characters in Tamil Cinema, Raghuvaran from Velai Illa Pattadhari is now back again with VIP 2, as a more matured, family man.
Raghuvaran (Dhanush), who is working in Anitha Constructions, is being cornered by a real estate construction big shot Vasundhara Parameshwaran (Kajol) of Vasundhara Constructions. But why is he being cornered and why do Raghuvaran and Vasundhara have to lock horns? For those who ponder about the film's title, and is he once again becoming a Velai Illa Pattadhari is a surprise to watch out for! The cat and mouse game between Raghuvaran and Vasundhara is what the film is all about.
Dhanush is at his easy best, and he once again makes us fall in love with the character. He effortlessly essays the role with total charm. When he performs a few Superstar gestures, it is lovable to watch onscreen. Amala Paul, as the regular housewife, gives her best and her chemistry with Dhanush is good. Kajol, the Vennilave beauty is back to Kollywood after a big break and this comeback film has ample moments for her. Especially, her performance towards the end is very impressive. Samuthirakani and Vivek score equally good just the way they did in the first part. Ritu Varma replaces Surabhi’s role in a brief appearance.
Right from the initial minutes of the film, it takes you through many nostalgic moments and the audience is already emotionally attached to the characters from the word go. The characterisation of Vasundhara is impressive and they have balanced the sketching perfectly in an interesting manner. Her lip sync could have been better at few places, but otherwise, a fitting voice has been provided to her. Soundarya Rajinikanth's screenplay is engaging and takes the right path.
Dhanush's story and dialogues give immense support to Soundarya’s screenplay and act as a pillar of strength. The last twenty minutes of the film is a surprising watch and you would not see what you’d have expected. The biggest strength of VIP was the liveliness of the characters, and that strength is being maintained even in the sequel. Look out for Saranya Ponvannan’s appearance, which may guarantee a few goosebumps.
On the flip side, the film falls predictable, mostly in the first half and only in the last twenty minutes, you find a good surprise. The entire fast half, though enjoyable, it is something that we've seen already and there is nothing fresh. The background music could have been a lot more impactful and one cannot avoid the feeling of missing Anirudh's punch in the movie. The first video song, Nada Da Raja doesn't make you dance and it could've been executed more powerfully. The film takes a while to get on the right track, as the majority of first half consists of family scenes.
Sean’s songs are good and Iraivanai Thandha Iraiviye is easily the pick of the album. However, the film's background score is an open debate as you can find both Anirudh's and Sean's scores being blended. Sameer’s visuals and GK Prasanna’s cuts are neat and clean. Soundarya has tried to make sure the film is as entertaining as the first part, she has succeeded to a major extent and won't leave the audience disappointed.
Life of Raghuvaran - Nada Da Raja
Singers : Dhanush, Yogi B
Lyricists : Dhanush, Yogi B
Life of Raghuvaran to start with is a high energy song that has been sung by Dhanush and Yogi B. Yogi B sounds positive and Dhanush is at his usual best when it comes to songs like these. Drums and electric guitar take the front seat in Nada da Raja. Sean has also decided to use Thavil and trumpets to give it a slight native feel which has worked very well. It carries the new VIP theme that featured in the teaser trailer.
Angel of Raghuvaran - Iraivanai Thandha Iraiviye
Singers : Sean Roldan, M. M. Manasi
Lyricists : Dhanush
Angel of Raghuvaran is a beautiful soulful melody by Sean. It has been sung by Sean himself and MM Manasi. Sean’s voice is a treat for melody lovers with it’s hazy texture. Flute has been implemented beautifully and the song is high on live instruments. The composer has played well with strings, flute, drums and trumpets. Lyrics by Dhanush are commendable.
Torture of Raghuvaran
Singers : Dhanush
Lyricists : Dhanush
Torture of Raghuvaran starts off as a song that has Dhanush lamenting about his problems in an old fashioned way. however , it picks up pace and there is a nice transition to a high energy number. It has been crooned by Dhanush himself and can be called as the equivalent song to ‘What A Karavad’ as the theme (lamenting) is the same. Sean has again used live instruments like Nadhaswaram, percussions and the bass section is impressive.
Raghuvaran Vs Vasundhara - Dooram Nillu
Singers : Dhanush, Shakthisree Gopalan
Lyricists : Sean Roldan
This is a face off song as the name suggests. It is a western style number with vocals by the super talented Shakthisree and Dhanush himself. There is a heavy use of synth and guitars are an added bonus to this song ‘Dooram Nillu’. The mixing and mastering is superior in this track and the song is something unique from the soulful composer Sean Roldan. String arrangement is also worthy of a mention.
Vasundhara - The Empress Arrives
This Vasundhara empress theme is a glorification for the character of ‘Kajol’ and is a technically brilliant theme. Again, the string arrangement and synth usage are the scoring points in this theme. It has majestic yet evil feel with a catchy tune making it instantly likeable. Programming is top notch and so is the mixing and mastering of the empress theme.